This brief article will serve as a guide to help you decide when is the best time for your deck.
The “when should i stain my new deck” is a question that many people ask. The answer to this question depends on the type of wood, how much you want to spend, and how often you plan on using the deck.
Your wood decking should look fantastic when you initially put it up. Still, you’ll need to take care of it to keep it looking good, including staining the decking at regular intervals. So, how frequently should this be done? What’s the best way to go about it?
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Is It Necessary to Stain My Deck on a Regular Basis?
Plan on reapplying a clear stain every year and a semi-transparent stain every two years as a general rule of thumb.
If you used semi-solid or solid color stains when you first started, you’ll need to reapply them every five years or so.
Other elements that impact when you should repaint include:
- How often does your deck get used?
- Whether or not your deck receives direct sunlight
- How well-kept is your deck?
- Whether your deck is protected from the elements or is often subjected to rain, snow, ice, and organic detritus
How can I tell if my deck needs to be refinished?
Flaking or peeling paint, as well as mold or mildew on a deck, are visible symptoms that it needs to be repainted.
Splashing a few drips of water onto your deck is another technique to check. Your deck generally doesn’t need to be repainted if the water beads up and stays on the surface.
If the water soaks into the wood rapidly, it might break or damage the wood on your deck. Your deck will almost certainly need to be repainted. Check a few different regions of your deck before making a decision, since not all boards will be in the same condition.
Deck Staining Techniques
You’ll need to clean and prepare your deck first. Remove any debris off your deck and relocate deck furniture. Make careful to hammer down any protruding nails and to repair or remove any damage to the boards if required.
Then remove any traces of sealant from your deck; otherwise, the old sealant’s soaking capabilities may interfere with the new sealer’s. To safeguard it, cover any nearby vegetation, including plants and grass. Wash the deck, then clean it with a deck cleaner and a deck sealant remover. Allow two days for your deck to dry before refinishing it. You may clean the deck with a power washer, however some experts advise against it since it might damage the wood.
Choose the fresh deck stain that you desire. You may choose from three options:
Stains that are clear
Because it contains no colors or oils, this form of decking staining, also known as deck water sealer, lets the grain to show through. To maintain the wood on your deck, they include wood preservatives and water. UV rays may harm your deck and speed up the weathering process if your deck is tinted this manner. If you use a clear stain on your deck, it will not stay as long as other kinds of stain.
Some transparent stain products include oils in them, which will infiltrate the wood. These need less reapplication and provide superior deck protection.
DEFY Extreme Crystal Clear 1 Gallon Exterior Wood Stain
- CRYSTAL CLEAR WATER-BASED WOOD STAIN – This water-based, ecologically friendly clear deck stain prevents graying caused by the sun’s damaging rays while providing little to no change to the natural appearance of your wood. It’s ideal for staining wood decks, fences, siding, playsets, and patio furniture, among other things.
- ZINC NANO-PARTICLE TECHNOLOGY STRENGTHENED– It’s like to applying sunblock on your wood. The stain’s tiny zinc particles block harmful UV rays, avoiding premature graying and color loss.
- EXTREMELY DURABLE, LONG-LASTING QUALITY – DEFY Extreme wood stains are created with the highest-quality resins available, which resist fading and darkening. As a consequence, you get a high-quality semi-transparent deck stain that lasts a season or two longer than the competition. Use DEFY premium wood stains to keep your deck, fence, or siding looking fantastic for longer.
- EASY TO MAINTAIN – There’s no need to sand or strip the surface when it’s time for a maintenance coat. Simply apply a single maintenance layer of DEFY Extreme Wood Stain after brightening the wood with DEFY Wood Brightener.
- ALL STATES, INCLUDING CALIFORNIA, ARE VOC COMPLIANT.
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Stains that are semi-transparent
These give the deck some color while still allowing the grain patterns to shine through. A semi-transparent stain soaks into the wood better than a clear stain and preserves your deck for longer. This form of stain is less prone to peeling. Once the stain’s color has faded, you’ll probably want to re-stain your deck.
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Solid Colors
This form of stain does not penetrate the wood, but rather lies on top of it, similar to paint. This stain helps to provide a consistent appearance and conceals discoloration. The disadvantage is that it isn’t very resistant to foot activity and often peels, cracks, or crumbles. You will never be able to use a semi-transparent or clear stain for a future restain if you chose this sort of stain.
Sale
Natural Cedar Exterior Stain & Sealer for Wood, Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail
- There is no need for a primer. When you initially apply Ready Seal, it’s the darkest. It takes around 14 days for it to achieve its actual color. Do not use Ready Seal on freshly painted or stained surfaces. Surfaces that are sealed prevent penetration.
- Sprayer, roller, or brush may be used to apply it to the wood’s surface.
- It doesn’t need back brushing and won’t leave any runs, laps, or streaks.
- There is no need for a wet-line application since the product blends itself and may be applied in any temperature range.
- Spray applications do not need any diluting or thinning.
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Some Final Thoughts on Deck Refinishing
Check the weather forecast before refinishing your deck. Choose a different day if there is a chance of rain or if the weather is humid.
Apply your stain with a long-handled brush or roller while wearing a protective face mask. Apply the stain to a small area first, preferably one that is not visible, to ensure that the brush/roller movement is correct and that no pools, puddles, or stains result. Mop them up with a cloth. For corners and poles, a paintbrush is a suitable choice. If certain areas of your deck are lighter than others, you may want to apply a second layer of stain to those areas, but make sure the first coat is completely dried before doing so.
Allow at least 24 hours for the stain to cure completely before utilizing the deck.
Check your local government’s disposal rules before disposing of the old stain container and the rolling pan or bucket you used.
You might get a professional quotation if you don’t feel like doing the task yourself and can afford it. A professional can aid you in ensuring that the restaining is done promptly and evenly, as well as fixing your deck if necessary.
The “when to stain a new deck pressure treated” is a question that has been asked many times. This article will answer the question and give you all the information you need to know about how often you should stain your deck.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does a deck need staining?
A: Every 2 to 4 years.
How often should a deck be stained and sealed?
A: Theres not a set answer to this. It depends on the type of deck and the surface it will be exposed to, as well as how often you want to maintain its appearance. You should test different options before making a decision that is right for your needs
How often does stain need to be reapplied?
A: When you decide to use a product for the first time, it is recommended that you follow the directions on your label. From there, figure out what works best for your needs from that point on!
A: There are no specific guidelines given by either manufacturers of stain or consumers themselves with regards to how often they must be reapplied in order to maintain a level of protection against stains and odors.
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